I have guided and supported my three children as theyve progressed through elementary, middle school, and high school.

During the years in which I have been raising my children, I have thoroughly enjoyed watching them develop and grow as individuals. I have mentioned this personal insight because I am motivated by the desire to guide young people on a meaningful path towards a lifelong love of learning. Not just the learning of the explicit curriculum, but the sense of achievement that comes from being in an atmosphere that develops positive attitudes and self discipline. My personal management philosophy can be summed up in the following sentence: I desire to engage my students in an interactive and well organized learning environment that will increase their motivation to succeed. If my students truly believe I care about them and desire to see them do well, I will have created the environment, as well as an atmosphere, of mutual respect and rapport which will inspire them to do their best. First and foremost, I will need to develop a solid set of classroom management strategies. The theorists that most closely reflect my personal philosophy are: Richard Curwin and Allen Mendler. Their general statement is that discipline should be done with the purpose of leaving a childs dignity intact (Manning & Bucher, 2007, pg. 113.) When I was first learning of Curwin and Mendlers theory, I wasnt sure how I felt about the concept of not keeping track of offenses and consequences. But as Ive read over their philosophical foundations, I agree with them as to the importance of creating a classroom that has the following themes: one that is student centered; sensitive to the students

feelings; an environment that promotes self-esteem; and a place that is safe and free of ridicule. I will create this environment by modeling the behavior I expect of my students; involving the students in decision making; not compare students, but treat each one as an individual; explaining why I do not approve of a certain behavior, instead of demanding change; teach my students responsibility through natural consequences rather than punishments (Manning & Bucher, 2007, pages 114-115.) Moreover, Curwin and Mendlers philosophy of establishing a democratic classroom is a reflection of my own beliefs (Manning & Bucher, 2007, pg. 111.) I realize that I have the potential, as a teacher, to guide a student on a path of developing behaviors and attitudes that will stay with them throughout their life. Another theorist who reflects my own personal philosophy is Rudolf Driekurs. I connected with his theory that teachers should act in a democratic fashion by demonstrating effective instruction and providing a collaborative learning community. Driekurs also believes that teachers and students should work towards a common goal. If I incorporate some of Driekurs theories into my classroom management plan, I can increase my students self-esteem and confidence, thereby decreasing misbehaviors (Manning & Bucher, 2007, pg 63.) There are specific actions I can take to make my classroom democratic, as well as looking for the four mistaken goals. I will use some of the suggestions in Chapter 4 on how to establish a student centered classroom: allow my students to participate in making classroom decisions; meet individual students learning

needs and interests; model respect at all times; treat students with dignity, friendliness, firmness, and kindness (Manning & Bucher, 2007, pg 64.) The way in which I will incorporate some of Curwin, Mendler, and Dreikurs theories into my own classroom management plan, is by developing routines and strategies that involve my students input and participation. I can do this through establishing the following routines: arranging the desks so that the students sit in cooperative groups, making it easier to work with partners and study buddies; having class meetings where we work together in planning activities, establishing responsibilities and consequences; communicating with parents through email, notes and checking students agendas during warm-up activities (Manning & Bucher, 2007, pg 64.) Another important management plan is to establish clear roles between teacher and student. I can increase respect and rapport with my students by: treating all of them with dignity and respect; encourage them; allow my students to start each day with a clean slate; let them help in establishing consequences for certain actions; be consistent; show enthusiasm; be organized and prepared. My students roles will be to: accept the responsibility for their actions; come to my class prepared with needed materials; follow the established routines; be respectful of each other; do their best work. The setting of my classroom is an important element in how my personal philosophy will be manifested. By establishing clear roles between myself and my students, I know that my classroom will be a positive environment. Specifically, Driekurs suggests developing rules that are logical and make sense

(Manning & Bucher, 2007, pg 69.) I will have to go over my classroom expectation many times during the start of the school year. Have them posted in a clear and obvious space where all students can review them daily. Be consistent in my expectation and if I say I am going to do something, follow through. Dreikurs also emphasizes the importance of encouraging students through words and actions (Manning & Bucher, 2007, pg 71.) The one suggestion he made that reflects my own personal philosophy is that of creating an atmosphere of community, in which class members are willing to assist each other and to feel a sense of social interest in each other (Manning & Bucher, 2007, pg 71.) I created the game of personal bingo as my activity to do with my class at the beginning of the year. The purpose of this was to give my class an opportunity to get to know each other and realize how much we all have in common. I also had referenced the idea of sharing an autobiographical poem about myself with my students, as a way of breaking the ice. This assignment has been insightful and interesting. Through the process of developing my philosophy, I am now more prepared to develop my own management plan. Additionally, I know that I will create a positive learning environment where my students will feel appreciated for their uniqueness, safe to share their ideas, and trust that I wont embarrass them or be unfair. I am confident that I will stay true to who I am. I want to inspire and guide my students to accomplish something that helps in building their confidence and self-esteem; most importantly, help in developing a life long love of learning.